PEF Exec Board Member Accuses Cuomo Of ‘Religious Insensitivity’

The relationship between Gov. Andrew Cuomo and leaders of the Public Employees Federation deteriorated still further yesterday, when one of the union’s executive board members accused the governor of making “retaliatory attacks” in the wake of Tuesday’s contract failure and acting with “vindictiveness,” “religious insensitivity,” and “disrespect.”

At issue for Beverly Bowen, of Region 9, is the fact that the layoff notices started going out yesterday as Jewish members of the union were preparing to celebrate Rosh Hashanah – one of the holiest days of Jewish year. Very observent Jews will be observing this holiday through Friday, and then will start their weekly observance of Shabbat.

In other words, it’s possible people who are just receiving word that they will be laid off won’t be in the office to get any guidance about how that’s going to work until next Monday.

“Regardless of the level of observance or the number of Jewish staff that will be effected by this, it was inappropriate and wrong to begin this process at a time when many are not going to be at work today, tomorrow or Friday due to religious observances,” Bowen wrote.

“For those unable to meet today, another meeting will be held tomorrow. Phone calls are going out along with the certified letters informing people of their selection on the list. The lack of respect that this continues to demonstrate to the humanity of our state worker’s is appalling and to me immoral. I could go on about the general unessecary vindictiveness of this entire action, but I’m preaching to the choir here I’m sure.”

“The union is not truly the people’s enemy and as we have said there are many diverse ways to improve the state economy before these drastic measures would be needed…This puts Jewish staff at a further demoralizing and disrespected level. I am NOT diminishing the huge impact that this is having on ALL employees who are targeted.”

“I do feel though that this rush to action/knee jerk reaction that is so typical of this administration could have waited until Monday to happen. Would this have happened on Christmas Eve? Maybe it will. It would be just as wrong then. Dare I wish everyone a sweet New Year? It is my fervrent prayer.”

I emailed Cuomo’s press office this morning to ask if the administration had given though to the fact that these layoffs coincide with the start of what Jews call the “Days of Awe” or the “High Holy Days” – a 10-day period of introspection and repentance that culminates with Yom Kippur. I did not receive a response.

The governor is definitely aware of the holiday. He released a statement on Wednesday wishes those New Yorkers who will be celebrating Rosh Hashanah a “healthy and prosperous” New Year.